~ firearms and fermentation

Dating and getting the side panel off a S&W Model 36

I know it’s Valentine’s Day, but by dating I don’t mean taking the Model 36 out for dinner and drinks, I mean telling the age of the older models. My father has long had a 3″ pinned barrel Model 36 which he carried while mowing using the tractor. He was deadly accurate with it and used it to shoot rats and mice. I borrowed it while practicing for my NRA Pistol Instructor course and decided I needed one of them. I found one in acceptable shape on GunBroker and the serial number provided by the seller did not match any particular date. After receiving the gun and scouring the web I finally located information which will help date many of these old J Frame revolvers.

As it turns out my 36 is from 1956. She arrived filthy dirty, but not from gunpowder residue, rather from dust as if the firearm had been stored on top of a dresser for years. I used Break-Free CLP to clean and realized I needed to wipe out underneath the side panel. The right side panel on this S&W revolver is held on by three screws. The one closest to the barrel retains the crane and cylinder and has a rounded head. The one behind the trigger also has a rounded head while the one underneath the grip panel has a flat head. Carefully remove all three screws and take note of the head size. Use a screwdriver which is made for that size screw to not scratch or otherwise affect the value of the gun. After all screws are removed take the butt end of the screwdriver (the plastic end on most) and sharply tap the grip frame. The plate will magically pop out and can be removed. To reinstall position and gently pop back into place using pressure with your thumbs. It really is that simple!

This is a good, but LONG video of a Model 10 which may be helpful if you need to see it done by someone else:

Like this:

Related

Post navigation

2 thoughts on “Dating and getting the side panel off a S&W Model 36”

Bangers and Mash, Wanted to say thank you for a great article. If I figured this out right, my S&W model 36 with serial number starting with 3 and has 5 numbers was made in 1953-54? It also has some other stuff under the serial number but haven’t found that anywhere yet. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you!